Beer and Kombucha Collab Taproom Experience in Santa Barbara Funk Zone

Santa Barbara, CA September 11, 2020 —: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (Santa Barbara) and Flying Embers Hard Kombucha (Ojai/Ventura) are teaming up to create a first-of-its-kind joint taproom experience at the existing Funk Zone location at 137 Anacapa St.  Figueroa Mountain Brewing has inhabited the space for the last six years and will be inviting Flying Embers in to brew and serve their tasty alcoholic kombuchas and hard seltzers alongside Fig Mtn’s award winning beers.

The idea was formed over a year’s worth of creative discussions about how the two Southern California companies could utilize each other’s unique attributes to give patrons more variety and excitement. Rooted in collaboration, innovation and community, this partnership is reflective of the core values that make the craft industry so special.

But while most collaborations occur on a one-off, single product basis, this is something different entirely – a shared space where two brands coexist to deliver a unique consumer experience. Both local Central Coast brands look to not only serve existing brands available to the public, but to also create new and inventive liquids right there on site. From beer and kombucha mash ups to new experimental fermentations, the stage is set for some exciting new brews.

“Our Funk Zone location was our first research and development brewery.  It is where many of our beers were born and tested.  It is only fitting that we use this location to team up with a great local company and our friends at Flying Embers to not only brew new and innovative liquids but to create a unique taproom experience for all who walk through the door,” says Jaime Dietenhofer Founder and Owner of Figueroa Mountain Brewing CO founded in 2010. “We have such an amazing location in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone and by having Flying Embers under the same roof (and outdoor patio), the customer experience will only get better.”

Flying Embers has been a rising star in the hard kombucha scene as of late, and is one of the many exciting projects from Fermented Sciences out of Ojai, CA. Started by Bill Moses, co-founder and former CEO of KeVita non-alcoholic kombucha (now owned by PepsiCo), the company prides itself in being experts in the art and science of fermentation. Early on in the brand’s infancy, they forged a relationship with Steve Almaraz – former Craft Category Director at Reyes Beverage Group and now President/Partner at Figueroa Mountain.

“From the start, we felt a shared connection with Steve” says Flying Embers Co-Founder Beryl Jacobson. “He was a tremendous partner to us at the distributor level, and continued to be a trusted advisor and friend after he moved to the supplier side. It was only natural that we continued our partnership, and we’re excited to do so in a way that’s both mutually beneficial and progressive for the industry. Collaboration, innovation and community are all core pillars of the Flying Embers brand, so this opportunity was a natural fit and one that we hope to replicate in other markets.”

Both companies agree that this new approach is reflective of where the industry is headed. While drinkers are enticed by emerging categories outside of craft, it’s becoming even more critical that like-minded breweries think outside the box about how to deliver a unique experience for the consumer. By coming together, they’re able to present a differentiated proposition that will benefit both companies as well as the local community in Santa Barbara.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing looks forward to implementing Flying Embers Kombucha at other locations as the partnership grows. Both companies will be looking forward to sharing the new concept to the public September 18^th.  More information to follow.

ABOUT FLYING EMBERS

Flying Embers is a hand-crafted, hard beverage brand based in Ventura, California that develops great tasting botanical brews with functional benefits. With a commitment to innovation, Flying Embers' products are low in sugar, carbs and calories, while also featuring such attributes as live probiotics, adaptogens and USDA certified organic ingredients . A proud supporter of its community, Flying Embers donates a portion of revenue to firefighters and first responder charitable organizations out of respect for their service. Flying Embers was founded in 2017 by beverage entrepreneur Bill Moses, former CEO of KeVita sparkling probiotics, which was sold to PepsiCo in 2016. Today, Flying Embers has two tap rooms in Los Angeles and Boston, and its products are sold in 40 states across the U.S. To learn more, visit FlyingEmbers.com or @FlyingEmbersBrew.

ABOUT FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN BREWING:

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery founded in 2010 by father and son team Jaime and the late Jim Dietenhofer. With a passion for craft beer, they set out to pay homage to the Central Coast of California with handcrafted beer and hand-drawn label art depicting their beloved local landscape. Figueroa Mountain’s core values revolves around Quality, Community, Growth, and Ethos.  Their beer can be enjoyed at their six taproom locations and at select craft beer retailers in California. Learn more at www.figmtnbrew.com.